Research by Cheapflights.co.uk reveals a trend towards nudity as increasing numbers of holiday makers prefer to strip off on the beach.

A recent poll from Cheapflights.co.uk also shows that ten percent of its viewers would choose to leave their clothes behind on holiday.

Nadine Hallak, Travel Expert for Cheapflights.co.uk says, “Although I don’t personally intend on swapping my bikini for my white bits anytime soon, I have encountered many a skinny dipper in my time and the most important piece of advice I’ve gleaned is that sun block is essential, particularly for those with sensitive skin like myself. And if you’ve already burnt any areas where the sun doesn’t normally shine, some effective natural remedies include milk compresses, refrigerated Aloe Vera gel, and/or bathing in lavender oil. Failing that, you could always reach for some anti-inflammatory tablets.”

For a full list of where to express your naked ambitions, visit www.cheapflights.co.uk/travel-tips/nude-beaches

8/27/2008 1:00:49 PM UTC     

Some tour operators are asking us to forget that August has been somewhat of a washout and look forward to an Indian summer over the October half term.

Cornish Horizons for example are extolling the praises of their fair county and offering great savings on their properties such as 12 Strand Street in Padstow. It is a cottage of character sleeping 8 in an ideal location for surfing and foodies alike with a surf school and 6 Rick Stein restaurants as well as the others he has influenced in the area.

Cornish Horizons is offering a half term saving of £230 for seven nights at 12 Strand Street from 25 October as well as a range of other properties across north and mid Cornwall.

www.cornishhorizons.co.uk

8/25/2008 10:32:43 AM UTC     

Although the summer is not over companies are already looking at the autumn half term break

Family holiday specialist Mallorca Farmhouses is suggesting Mallorca. It has an extensive selection of luxury villas, country houses and charming cottages to choose from, all come with a swimming pool, complimentary car hire with full insurance, maid service and a welcome hamper. Babysitting and cook services are available on request to ensure parents can truly relax and not lift a finger!

Temperatures on the island at that time of year should be in the high 20 degrees Celsius. Hot enough for swimming but not too hot for sightseeing.

Prices in October start from as little as £623.00 per week for a farmhouse with three bedrooms, three bathrooms and swimming pool in the hills above Pollenca.

www.mallorca.co.uk

8/22/2008 8:08:37 AM UTC     

A-level results are out, the weather is getting cooler, the P45 from the summer job is almost ready to be posted, the wedding season is drawing to a close and parents are set to drop their kids off at university for another academic year. For people of all ages – school or university leavers, those on a career break or ‘grown-up gappers’ – the autumn is a popular season to take some time out to embark on extended GAP year travels or a round the world trip.

Group travel specialist TrekAmerica and its sister companies Footloose and OzXposure offer some great ‘mega-adventures’ for those with the desire to get to the real heart of the countries they will be visiting and have the luxury of time on their hands. Their tours around North and South America and Australasia cater to travellers aged 18 and over with a maximum group size 14 on most routes.

TrekAmerica’s managing director Martyn Shapter explains why group travel adventures are so well suited to those on GAP years:

“A fair amount of our customers are taking their first major trip abroad and are unsure what to expect or how to start planning an independent trip. By joining a group tour, travellers can leave the organisation in the hands of an expert guide whose job it is to seek out the unmissable sights and the most exciting adventures. In turn, our passengers have the chance to relax into the rhythm of travelling, acclimatise to the destination, make some great friends and get the most out of their trip.”

He continues: “The group dynamic is not the only advantage. Travelling in a group also provides an element of security that can allow people to venture to areas they either wouldn’t find – or might not feel comfortable going to – if they were travelling alone. In some countries, even just having a driver can be a huge benefit when you look at the alternatives. Public transport is not always regular or direct; drivers in Latin American countries may struggle without some knowledge of Spanish; and in the USA, many car rental companies will charge astronomical fees to renters under the age of 25. For younger travellers such as school leavers, an organised group adventure is also a parent-friendly option and therefore probably more likely to warrant a contribution to the travel fund!”

www.trekamerica.co.uk
www.footloose.com
www.ozXposure.co.uk

8/20/2008 7:47:01 AM UTC     

Two cruise passengers on a tour of Norway’s fjords have spent thousands of dollars on taxi fares after mispronouncing their destination.

The pair were separated from their ship after having to spend a short time in hospital while on a stopover in Stavanger. After the medical situation had been resolved they tried to rejoin the ship in Olden on Norway’s west coast.

However the taxi driver didn’t understand the destination and instead drove them to Halden, 560 km away. And they didn’t even realize the mistake, paying the driver the €1875 fare. After spending the night in a hotel the couple discovered the mistake and called another taxi, this time driving 610km in the other direction and paying a further €1950 fare.

The misadventure saw them end up spending more than the price of their cruise on taxi fares.

8/19/2008 12:50:56 PM UTC     

Foreign exchange specialist Travelex has launched their Global Rewards Card, to reward customers making a repeat purchase at Travelex shops around the world.

Customers who exchange currency pre-trip at Travelex will be given a free Global Rewards Card which entitles them to a discount at their destination. The Global Rewards Card gives customers a discount on the exchange rate or commission if they choose to purchase foreign currency from Travelex again in another country, within three months of their original transaction. The card will be valid in over 20 countries and more than 700 Travelex shops worldwide.

Julian Neal, Global Marketing Director, Travelex said, “This is the first time a foreign currency provider has implemented a global promotion on this scale. “Travelex are delighted to launch the Global Rewards Card at a time when we‘re all conscious of the challenging economic conditions, the card is a win for both customers and for

Travelex.”

www.travelex.co.uk

8/19/2008 12:45:17 PM UTC     

If you had enough miles to go anywhere, where would you go?

This is the situation facing Bill Shiver from Huston. Mr Shiver has just won 21 million frequent flier miles as the grand prize winner of its OnePass 21st Birthday Texas Hold'em Poker Tournament at the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

Mr Shiver, who has been playing poker for four years as a hobby, plans to use some of his winnings toward a Mediterranean cruise and holidays with friends.

The contest's grand prize could be redeemed for up to 200 roundtrip BusinessFirst tickets from Houston to Rome, up to 400 roundtrip economy tickets within the United States, or be used to bid on exclusive OnePass Online Auction items including premier sporting events, VIP performing arts experiences and vacation packages.

www.continental.com

8/19/2008 7:47:49 AM UTC     

Bales Worldwide is giving travellers the chance to experience one of the best events in the world music calendar – the Rajasthan International Folk Festival in Jodhpur.  Taking place from 10-14 October 2008, this incredible festival brings together over 150 musicians to perform at one of Asia’s finest buildings - the Mehrangarh Fort. Bales is offering a 10 day holiday, taking in the entire festival, from £1,650 per person based on two sharing with economy class return flights from Heathrow to Delhi and onward to Jodhpur, 9 nights accommodation (bed and breakfast), transfers and airport taxes.

www.balesworldwide.com   

8/14/2008 3:52:32 PM UTC     

Thinking about a gap year? Well your kids do. Why not you?

A recent survey from Ramblers Worldwide Holidays entitled 'Gap Years' for Mums and Dads and appeal for single travellers shows that with reasonable disposable income clients are determined to enjoy the fruits of their labours and travel as often and widely as possible.

Tony Maniscalco, Marketing Manager for the operator says, “many of our clients over 45 are playing ‘catch up’ with their sons and daughters who have enjoyed gap years whilst studying at universities and colleges. Some felt they had missed out on the opportunity of travelling to diverse and interesting places throughout the world and experiencing different people and cultures.”

The survey showed walking holidays are a firm favourite because they not only give clients the opportunity to experience exciting and stimulating destinations at a leisurely pace but have added health benefits.

Tony Maniscalco says “our survey shows that single travellers don’t want any special attention but simply seek the friendship, safety and the camaraderie of a group holiday - particularly if they are divorced or bereaved.”

Ramblers Worldwide Holidays offers over 200 holidays in over 70 countries including everything from Botswana and Jordan to The Galapagos Islands and Montenegro.

www.ramblersworldwideholidays.co.uk

8/14/2008 7:49:44 AM UTC     

Eurostar is expecting to take thousands of shoppers to La Braderie in Lille, one of Europe’s largest annual flea markets, which takes place every year over the first weekend of September. Return fares to Lille start from £55.

La Braderie dates back to medieval times. The city’s streets come alive as over a million people from all over Europe flock to Lille to join the marathon bargain hunt. Over the weekend, the city is transformed into a vast outdoor market covering over 200km of pavement. Stalls selling everything from rare antiques and furniture, to vintage clothing, bric-a-brac and art line the narrow cobbled streets, alongside street entertainers and food stands offering mouth-watering French and Flemish cuisine.

www.eurostar.com

8/10/2008 11:50:44 AM UTC     

Mont Rochelle Hotel and Mountain Vineyard in South Africa's Cape Winelands will be celebrating "all things bubbly" in December during the annual Franschhoek Champagne Festival.

Franschhoek, the Valley of the Huguenots, in South Africa, is one of the premier destinations in the World of Wine – and is also the “Gourmet Capital of South Africa” – making it the perfect “Grape Escape” for discerning travellers who enjoy the finer things in life!

December 2008 will see the valley, which has over 40 wine farms, celebrate the ‘Magic of Bubbles’, during the annual Franschhoek Cap Classique and Champagne Festival. A decadent weekend of gourmet cuisine, popping corks and flutes overflowing with the finest South African Cap Classique and French Champagne.

www.montrochelle.co.za and www.franschhoek.org.za/festivals

8/10/2008 11:49:24 AM UTC     

French airports are hoping to help holidaymakers get in the mood for their trip by offering dance lessons. A spokesperson for Aeroports de Paris said the free classes are targeted to destinations “so if you’re flying to Cuba you can learn salsa and if you’re flying to New York you can learn hip hop.” Participants in the 15-minute lessons hear music and instructions through headphones, with other dance styles on offer including tango, mambo, modern jazz and rock’n’roll.

Can’t see it happening at T5!!

8/5/2008 2:56:19 AM UTC     

City smartcard specialist Leisure Pass Group has launched the latest version of its popular London Pass with a range of new attractions for Summer 2008. The London Pass gives visitors to the capital instant entry to over 50 of its most famous attractions, plus lots of new things to do with the latest version launched this month.

For the first time visitors can take a unique look behind the scenes in the Household Cavalry Museum to watch the famous Queen’s Life Guard preparing for their ceremonial duties and working with their horses. Or they can re-view all those advertising campaigns they loved and hated at the Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising where some 12,000 famous names are on view going back to the Victorian age.

www.leisurepassgroup.com

8/4/2008 2:49:36 AM UTC     

If you are in, or can get to Singapore, this autumn then it is worth checking out the Singapore Sun Festival (17 to 26 October 2008). This annual multi-arts premium lifestyle festival celebrates The Art of Living Well, through seven disciplines: music, visual arts, literature, film, wine, cuisine and wellness. This year's festival is bigger than before, with more than 90 exhilarating events over a period of 10 days, featuring more than 350 regional and international artists and celebrities in some of Singapore's leading venues.

The Festival begins with a Gala Opening Concert at the Esplanade Concert Hall on Saturday, 18 October. The concert will feature Prokofiev's popular work, Peter and the Wolf, narrated by Robert Redford, accompanied by the Academies Festival Orchestra, as well as a selection of arias and songs by Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and the Vienna Boys Choir.

www.singaporesunfestival.com

8/2/2008 5:30:11 AM UTC     

Are we up a creek without a paddle or simply messing about on the river?

Thanks to the continuing rise in oil prices, coupled to what appears to be a global credit squeeze on consumers, there seem to be some dark storm clouds building on the horizon. Building at exactly the time when we should be enjoying the sun and the sound of leather on willow, the site of players in their whites contrasting to the green courts of Wimbledon, and the enjoyment of messing about on the river in a way that only the Henley Royal Regatta can deliver.

High oil prices certainly seem to have made the world’s airlines think again about the number of seats and flights they choose to offer on a daily basis. The flagship of global travel and tourism, Las Vegas, has also been facing the unthinkable with the number of conventions off 12.7% year-on-year and revenues down by more than 7%. To put that in perspective, Sin City has only experienced one monthly drop in convention business since 1970, and that was in the immediate aftermath of 11 September 2001.

Perhaps at TravelPlus we always like to see the glass as half full, but other factors suggest that the latest blip in growth is just that, a temporary blip. Attending the recent Arabian Travel Market in Dubai it was impossible not to believe, given the projects being unveiled, that the moneymen and women still have great confidence in the growth of travel and tourism. That is backed up by the latest figures from OAG that show aircraft orders are up 35% on this time last year. There is also a small 1% increase, but still an increase, in the number of flights and seats being offered globally. OAG reports that 2,532,754 flights will be operated in June, offering more than 304 million seats.

Talking of OAG, the company recently unveiled the winners of its annual Airline Industry Awards. Singapore Airlines was named “Airline of the Year” while easyJet became the first European carrier to be named “Low Cost Airline of the Year”. TravelPlus had the pleasure of presenting Singapore Changi with its Award as “World’s Best Airport”.

Congratulations to all the OAG winners and nominees. Despite the building storm clouds we hope that they and all our readers have the chance to enjoy the coming months as much as we at TravelPlus plan to do so. And whatever way the economic winds blow, just remember:

“With the wind in your face there's no finer place,
Than messin' about on the river.”

7/4/2008 11:11:26 AM UTC     

Sanctuary Lodges & Camps who own and manage exclusive boutique properties throughout Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana and Zambia have added the first full-service spa in Botswana. Their luxury lodge, Chobe Chilwero will offer relaxing treatments using locally-made Africology products. It will also feature an indoor spa bath, Vichy showers and private treatment rooms, one of which will be elevated in the treetops overlooking the Chobe river.
 
Chobe Chilwero literally means ‘place of high view’ and the property borders the Chobe National Park, which is well known for Africa’s largest concentration of elephants. The luxury lodge features 15 air-conditioned thatched cottages, each of which have their own en-suite bath, indoor and outdoor showers, private garden with hammock and viewing terrace over the river.
 
Guests staying at the lodge can take advantage of guided game drives in open-sided 4x4 vehicles. Wildlife commonly spotted include elephants, crocodiles, antelopes, hippo, and a variety of creatures on the Chobe’s river banks.

www.sanctuarylodges.com

6/9/2008 11:21:32 AM UTC     

It’s about to get even harder to travel to the US. From January next year short term visitors to America on the visa waiver plan will have to register their trip online three days prior to travel.

US Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff has said that he wants more control over those coming into the US without a visa.

The tightening of restrictions means the citizens of 27 countries who currently enjoy the waiver scheme will now have to enter the same details required on a I-94 card, currently handed into customs on arrival in the US, onto a government website before setting off.

The online registration will, however, be valid over a two year period and there will be some provisions for those travelling last minute.

The new initiative will be rolled out this summer but will be enforced to all countries from January 12 2009.

6/9/2008 8:35:26 AM UTC     

Whether on holiday in the UK or abroad how many times have we heard, I’m bored, there’s nothing to do’, or what shall we do tomorrow?

Well experience provider Dosomethingdifferent.com has expanded its portfolio and now offers over 1,500 experiences worldwide, ‘with something for every taste, be it culture, food or football.

www.dosomethingdiffernt.com

6/9/2008 8:23:09 AM UTC     

Priority Pass has added six new lounges to its popular program to include even more airport lounges in South Korea, Singapore, China, and the United Kingdom as well as its second lounge in Tunisia.

They have added the Wells Premium Lounge at Seoul Incheon International and in China, the First Class Lounge at the new Tianjin Binhai International Terminal and the two First Class Lounges in the Domestic Terminal. Priority Pass can now offer its members 16 lounges in China.

Priority Pass has also welcomed the Plaza Premium Lounge and the Ambassador Transit Lounge in Singapore Changi’s new Terminal 3. The addition of these Asian lounges means that Priority Pass now boasts over 120 lounges in the Asia region.

In Europe, Priority Pass has gained the Servisair Highland Lounge at Inverness Dalcross in the UK and an additional lounge at Tunis Carthage Airport.

For those travelling internationally, the Priority Pass program now includes over 500 lounges in more than 275 cities – all of which are available to members to use whenever they travel, regardless of airline or class of travel.

www.prioritypass.com

6/9/2008 7:56:10 AM UTC     

If you haven’t done so already it is time to book that long awaited family holiday. Whether you’re planning an indulgent week abroad or a short break in the UK, holidaylettings.co.uk can help make your family summer trip special. From golf fanatics to dedicated adventure junkies, holidaylettings has something perfectly tailored to meet your need from the 24,000 properties available on their site.

So do you fancy a beach front villa on Barbados from £1061.00 per week or a farm house in Gozo sleeping 8 from £589.00 per week. In the UK there are the delights of a cottage on the Gower from £580.00 per week sleeping 6, or a lodge in Newquay, again sleeping 6 from £450.00 per week that is ideal for rugged cliff top walks, cycling, surfing or just relaxing on the beach.
 
www.holidaylettings.co.uk  

6/9/2008 6:01:40 AM UTC     

A report from The Passenger Shipping Association shows ex-UK cruising has increased at twice the rate of fly-cruises over the past four years, while more cruise lines than ever are calling at British ports.

A record number of cruise lines (52) included UK ports in their 2007 itineraries, while a record 591,000 passengers set sail on their cruises from UK ports in 2007.

Ex-UK cruises have increased 48% since 2004, compared with a 22% increase in fly-cruises, and the growth is set to continue in 2008, with P&O Cruises, Cunard Line and Fred Olsen Cruise Lines all basing new ships out of the UK, while Royal Caribbean International has introduced its largest ex-UK ship.

Carnival Cruise Lines is offering its first ex-UK schedules and both Norwegian Cruise Line and MSC Cruises are dedicating ships to the UK for the first time this summer.

PSA statistics show that cruise holidays in 2007 accounted for one in 14 foreign package holidays, compared to one in 29 a decade ago. 

There is also a high level of repeat cruise passengers, with 51% who cruise once a year and 28% who cruise more than once.

Nonetheless, newcomers are still being attracted to cruising: last year 38% of passengers in 2007 had never cruised before.

6/9/2008 5:17:50 AM UTC     

Crystal Cruises is launching two Mind, Body & Spirit cruises this December. The comprehensive programming incorporates lectures, classes and workshops given by leading experts and instructors from The Cleveland Clinic, Tai Chi Cultural Institute and the line’s exclusive Walk on Water program. The Mind, Body & Spirit focus is set for Crystal Symphony’s December 7 South America voyage from Los Angeles to Valparaiso, Chile and Crystal Serenity’s December 12 Panama Canal cruise from Miami to Caldera, Costa Rica.

“Our guests are active and inquisitive individuals looking to continue their healthy lifestyles while on vacation,” said Thomas Mazloum, Crystal’s vice president, hotel operations. “The sophisticated programming on the Mind, Body & Spirit cruises allows them to learn about the latest developments in health, fitness and well-being from top experts.”

The guest experts will cover topics from medical treatment and prevention, to spiritual healing and growth through tai chi and yoga, to the physical and mental fulfilment of strenuous exercise.

Cruise fares for Crystal Symphony’s 15-day South America itinerary begin at around £1750.00 and Crystal Serenity’s 12-day Panama Canal voyage begins at around £1800.00, per person, double occupancy.

www.crystalcruises.co.uk  

6/9/2008 4:48:29 AM UTC     

Virgin Atlantic, one of the world’s leading long-haul airlines, is to be the Official Airline of the 2008 European Ryder Cup Team.

Special dispensation has been granted for the Team to fly direct from London Heathrow to Louisville International Airport onboard a Virgin Atlantic Airbus A340-600 for The 2008 Ryder Cup at Valhalla Golf Club, Louisville, Kentucky, USA from 19 to 21 September 2008.

European Captain Nick Faldo and his 12 man team will fly out on Monday 15 September to defend the Ryder Cup before flying back the following Monday 22 September.

Virgin Atlantic was the Official Airline Sponsor of the European Ryder Cup Team’s last visit to America in 2004 for their record breaking winning score of 18½ - 9½ at Oakland Hills County Club in Michigan, USA.

Sir Richard Branson, President, Virgin Atlantic, said: “It is a great honour for us to be carrying Nick Faldo and his teammates to Louisville. This is the second time that Virgin Atlantic has been chosen to carry the team and the Ryder Cup, and we are thrilled that Europe’s top golfers have selected us again. I’m sure they can do Europe proud and win again.”

4/25/2008 4:11:19 AM UTC     

TravelPlus had hoped to report in this issue on a glorious period for air travel. After all we had Open Skies to look forward to, the opening of new airport facilities across the globe, new aircraft coming on line, and many carriers, such as Oasis, promising an upgrade to their onboard product and services.

Open Skies has been a reality since 30 March but initially only seems to offer more of the same. The exception is the introduction of a service between London Heathrow and Los Angeles by Air France. While we can look forward to an increase in offer for services between Europe and the US, there is a real concern that at Europe's busiest airports the price to pay will be a big drop in the number of short haul flights on offer to destinations that are not major feeder hubs.

By now London Heathrow's Terminal 5 needs no introduction. We did warn you that the media would look to find fault with British Airways and BAA, but when you are the front page story in every publication from Private Eye to The Economist you know that something has either gone spectacularly right or spectacularly wrong. Sadly the latter seems to have been the case but at TravelPlus we still live in the hope that BA and BAA will get their act together, and quickly. What the general reporting of the story is overlooking, however, is how much certain unionised bodies may have held an interest in Terminal 5's launch not going to plan. Are we now looking at a summer of (union) discontent?

It has not been a great period for the aircraft manufacturers either. Singapore Airlines new A380 has suffered a few teething problems with the fuel lines, while other airlines had to ground their 777, 737 and MD-80 fleets for technical upgrades and/or safety checks. Then came news that Boeing's new Dreamliner has been delayed again and won't enter service until the end of 2009 at best. All has added to the headaches already faced by weary travellers.

Then there are the airlines. Oasis, that had only recently announced an upgrade to its premium product, called it a day on 9 April, the fourth airline in a two-week period to call a halt to operations. The others being the US carriers ATA, Aloha and Skybus. Silverjet, however, did find itself the centre of takeover rumours and admitted to being "'in discussions which may or may not lead to an offer for the issued share capital of the company."

Hopefully what we have experienced in recent months is just a small area of turbulence and that ahead lies calm and open skies for us all to enjoy. Sadly there are groups like Plane Stupid and worse who wish harm and ill will on all of us who do want or need to fly and travel the world. Shame on them.

4/23/2008 8:33:23 AM UTC     

AGH Hoteles, one of Spain and Portugal’s most prestigious hotel companies, has announced their support for the Earthrace project.

Earthrace is an incredible 78ft wave-piercing trimaran powerboat that runs as a carbon neutral project, exclusively on 100% biodiesel.  The boat will start an attempt to break the round the world speed record on 27th April, from the Vulkan Shipyard, Sagunto in Spain, close to one of AGH Hoteles’ newest luxury hotels, AGH Canet. 

Skipper Pete Bethune said, “We noticed that AGH Hoteles have a great environmental policy throughout their hotels, and also have some amazing hotels in Portugal which is where all the biofuel for our record attempt comes from, so they are a ‘five star fit’ as far as we are concerned. “The AGH Canet is also extremely luxurious with friendly and helpful staff so it will be wonderful for not only our guests and the media coming to Spain for the start of the world record, but also more than comfortable for our crew who will be experiencing the complete opposite as we journey around the world.

ABOUT EARTHRACE: The not for profit project is run as a carbon neutral enterprise, making it one of the world’s most environmentally-friendly powerboats. The crew aim to secure the world speed record to create greater awareness of biofuel from sustainable sources as part of the solution the damage caused to the environment by fossil fuels, and to show that you can do amazing things and still lead sustainable lives.

BE PART OF THE CREW ON THE WORLD RECORD ATTEMPT: Earthrace are keeping one crew place spare on each of the race legs for adventurous people who want to do something amazing and help the environment.  The public can also buy their own world record nautical miles.  All money raised goes directly towards helping Earthrace and her awareness building record attempt and subsequent world tour.  Visit our website for further details.
 
www.earthrace.net
www.aghhoteles.com

4/18/2008 6:23:11 AM UTC     

Two of the biggest names in British pop music, McFly and Sugababes, will join forces to play a massive co-headline concert at Mercedes-Benz World at Brooklands, Weybridge on Saturday 12th July 2008. This will be the only time this summer the two acts perform together on the same bill. For anyone with half an ear trained on chart music over the last decade, McFly and Sugababes are part of the soundtrack.

McFly topped the charts with their first single ‘Five Colours In Her Hair’ in 2004 and never looked back. They became one of the biggest bands in the country as hits like ‘Obviously’, ‘All About You’, ‘Please Please’ and ‘Baby’s Coming Back’ went straight to number one, and albums Room On The 3rd Floor, Wonderland and Motion In The Ocean sold by the lorry-load. Last year’s Greatest Hits album summed up their achievements so far, and fans can expect all the hits at Mercedes-Benz World.

Sugababes also released a Greatest Hits album in 2007. Overloaded brought together their 14 hit singles - from ‘Overload’, Freak Like Me’ and ‘Round Round’ to ‘Hole In The Head’ and ‘Push The Button’ - which have sold over 2 million copies between them. The girls added to this enviable catalogue of daring, effervescent pop songs with this year's Number 1 album Changes, featuring the smash hit ‘About You Now'. With all these pop classics to chose from, Sugababes live is one giant sing-along from start to finish.

Peter O'Halloran, Managing Director of Mercedes-Benz World, commented : "We are looking forward to welcoming both McFly and the Sugababes to Mercedes-Benz World.   We are especially pleased that this concert will attract a younger audience which, combined with Elton John appearing on both the Friday and Sunday night, means we will see our widest-ranging audiences to date."

Add these two Great British bands together and you’ve got a night in pop music heaven! Tickets go on sale on Friday 18th April 2008 at 9am from Ticketmaster and See Tickets.

4/16/2008 4:35:25 AM UTC     

If you want a romantic weekend away with a difference, The Howard in Edinburgh is offering you the opportunity to spend a day taking in Scotland’s breathtaking countryside in the car that revolutionised sports car design – The Jaguar E-type Roadster, that was once described by Enzo Ferrari as ‘the most beautiful car ever made’.

You will be waited on by the Howard’s own professional team of butlers, who will pack you a gourmet picnic hamper and provide suggested tour routes - so all that’s left for you to do is get the roof down, sunglasses on and foot to the floor!

The Howard, a beautiful 5-star hotel in the heart of Edinburgh, is offering
The Classic Cars package from £435.00 per person. This includes two nights luxury accommodation including a full Scottish breakfast on each morning, a dedicated butler service, one full day hire of a Jaguar E-type Roadster, a freshly prepared gourmet hamper and touring map for your road trip, and a three course dinner served in the Atholl on one night. The package is valid until 31st October 2008.

www.thehoward.com

4/6/2008 11:37:02 AM UTC     

A year ago Four Points by Sheraton appointed the world’s first-ever Chief Beer Officer (CBO), Scott Kerkmans.

After a year in office the resident CBO has realised that a dream job can come with a nightmare workload and is seeking a little help and is searching for a Best Brews Summer intern. The lucky lad or lass will assist the CBO with his Best Brews duties including beer tasting, trend research and brewery relations.

Candidates must be over the age of 21 and apply by email to the Four Points Chief Beer Officer, Scott Kerkmans at cbo@fourpoints.com along with a cover letter.

The deadline for applicants is April 26.

4/6/2008 7:13:03 AM UTC     

Sunvil Sailing is offering a week’s live-aboard flotilla holiday, with learn-to-sail tuition for novices, departing 11 and 18 May from Lefkas island in the Greek Ionian Sea at just £179 per person excluding flights and transfers. For those preferring to take Sunvil’s all-inclusive package the price rises to £539 with return flights from London Gatwick and transfers in Greece.

Beginners, or those with limited experience, will literally learn the ropes under the watchful eye of a qualified instructor while experienced sailors will crew their own yachts in the flotilla. The social side can be lively in the evenings when all the yachts moor up in port together for dinner ashore.

The live-aboard accommodation with or without tuition is based on two sharing a cabin and there is a contribution towards an onboard kitty for yacht damage waiver, fuel, a souvenir chart and other items including refreshments on board for those on a learn-to-sail yacht.

www.sunvil.co.uk

4/6/2008 6:44:49 AM UTC     

Some holidays to not effect the entire country but are regional. The list is based on information available at time of going to press, and subject to change.

Tuesday 1 April 2008
Cyprus, India, Iran, San Marino

Wednesday 2 April 2008
Argentina, Romania

Thursday 3 April 2008
Guinea, Romania

Friday 4 April 2008
Angola, China, Hong Kong, Macau, Romania, Taiwan

Sunday 6 April 2008
Burundi, Thailand

Monday 7 April 2008
Burundi, India, Mauritius, Mozambique, Philippines, Rwanda, Tanzania, Thailand

Tuesday 8 April 2008
Dominica, Maldives

Wednesday 9 April 2008 
Georgia, Iraq, Tunisia

Thursday 10 April 2008
Nepal

Sunday 13 April 2008
Cambodia, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand

Monday 14 April 2008
Bangladesh, Cambodia, Costa Rica, Haiti, Honduras, India, Nepal, Thailand

Tuesday 15 April 2008
Cambodia, North Korea, Thailand, Vietnam

Wednesday 16 April 2008

Cambodia, Thailand

Thursday 17 April 2008
American Samoa, Gabon, Iraq, Syria

Friday 18 April 2008
Denmark, Faroe Islands, Greenland, India, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe

Saturday 19 April 2008
Sri Lanka, Swaziland, Uruguay, Venezuela

Sunday 20 April 2008
Israel,

Monday 21 April 2008
Brazil, Canada, Falkland Islands, Puerto Rico

Wednesday 23 April 2008
Brazil, Spain, Turkey

Thursday 24 April 2008
Iceland, Nepal

Friday 25 April 2008
Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cook Islands, Cyprus, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Faroe Islands, Georgia, Greece, Italy, Lebanon, Macedonia, New Zealand, Norfolk Island, North Korea, Portugal, Serbia, Swaziland, Virgin Islands, U.S.

Saturday 26 April 2008
Cyprus, Georgia, Greece, Israel, Tanzania, Virgin Islands, U.S.

Sunday 27 April 2008
Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Egypt, Georgia, Greece, Lebanon, Macedonia, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Sierra Leone Slovenia, South Africa, Sudan, Syria, Togo, Ukraine

Monday 28 April 2008
Afghanistan, Albania, Barbados, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Egypt, Georgia, Greece, Macedonia, Moldova, Romania, Serbia, South Africa, Ukraine

Tuesday 29 April 2008
Cyprus, Japan

Wednesday 30 April 2008
Aruba, Netherlands, Netherlands Antilles, Sweden, Vietnam

4/1/2008 3:20:13 AM UTC     

The 10th Bordeaux Wine Festival will take place this year from the 26th to the 29th of June. The Bordeaux Town Hall and the Tourist Office invite lovers of wine, food, festivity and culture to share these celebrations in the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

The tourist office have come up with a few ideas including the ’BORDEAUX FÊTE LE VIN’ package deal which includes:

·       Two nights in a double room in a 2, 3 or 4-star hotel

·       A tasting pass (including 13 tastings and other services)

·       A meal at Bordo Mundo

·       A vineyard pass

·       A free access card (available on request) valid for 2 days for the urban public transport network

·       A guided tour of the city

·       A free access card for the main sites, monuments and museums.

·        

Prices per person range from €185.00 (£146.00) for a 2-star hotel, to €300 (£238.00) for a 4-star hotel.

www.bordeaux-fete-le-vin.com

3/30/2008 9:26:58 AM UTC     

Taba Heights, Egypt’s most naturally luxurious resort, has confirmed its ever-increasing popularity with UK guests.

New figures just released indicate that Taba Heights is a firm favourite with travelling Brits, with around one in three room nights (38%) being filled by guests from the UK. This trend is significant since the French account for the second highest number of room nights, representing just 12% of the total. 

In terms of actual numbers, the UK also retains top spot, with 28% of arrivals being British. Again, this is a stretch ahead of neighbouring Israel in second place, which provides 11% of arrivals ahead of France with 9%.

Overall, the resort is also delighted to report a 19% increase on occupancy figures for 2007 when compared to the previous year. Occupancy across all five hotels was higher than in 2006, to give the highest overall occupancy the resort has experienced since its beginnings in 2000.

The most popular months to visit were August, October and November, demonstrating the resort’s continuing popularity as a year round destination.

www.tabaheights.com

3/12/2008 4:48:22 AM UTC